3 dead, 15 hurt in road accident

CEBU, Philippines -  Three people died, including a barangay councilman, while 15 others were injured after a multicab fell into a 10-meter deep cliff in Barangay Valencia, Alegria town Monday afternoon.

The fatalities were identified as barangay councilman Sergio Abistano, 72, of Candiis, Badian; Domingo Purgatorio, 40, also of Barangay Candiis; and Bibinia Amarila, 73, a retired public school teacher of Barangay Malbago, Badian.

Wounded during the accident were Elena Esconde, 37; Aresio Purgatorio, 33; Anita Purgatorio, 36; Dionesio Esconde, 47; Conchita Purgatorio, 56; Teofila Villagracia, 64; Edwin Esconde, 17; Beatriz Sameon, 44; Maria Etenita Esconde, 46; Maximo Esconde, 61; Florentino Esconde, 81; Peter John Esconde, 3; Emilio Esconde, 61; Artillano Purgatorio, 20; and multicab driver Lorencio Esconde, 37.

Police Officer 2 Wilt Almagro said the victims came from the funeral of a relative in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete when the accident happened past 3 p.m.

Almagro said the driver was negotiating downhill when the multicab developed a brake problem. The driver was forced to ram the vehicle.

into a coconut tree before it fell into the ravine.

 All of the victims were rushed to Badian District Hospital but three of them were declared dead on arrival.

The driver said he tried to step on the brake but it did not function, forcing him to bump the vehicle into the coconut tree. However, the vehicle fell on its side and rolled down the ravine.

“Pag-lugsong niya sir pagtamak niya sa break nawala, mao to gibangga niya sa lubi kay matagak man gihapon sila sa ubos kay likoon kaayo ang dalan,” Almagro said.

The driver was held in police custody while charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries and damage to property are being prepared.—/FPL (FREEMAN)